AFFABLE Synonyms: 166 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'affable' different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial , genial , gracious , and sociable . While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals. // though wealthy, she was affable to all

Q: Where would 'cordial' be a reasonable alternative to 'affable'?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness. // our host was cordial as he greeted us

Q: When can 'genial' be used instead of 'affable'?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality. // a genial companion with a ready quip

Q: When would 'gracious' be a good substitute for 'affable'?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration. // the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

Q: In what contexts can 'sociable' take the place of 'affable'?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others. // sociable people who enjoy entertaining

affable

adjective

ˈa-fə-bəl

Definition of affable next

as in unaffected

having a relaxed, casual manner as the show's affable host, she keeps the freewheeling gabfest from getting out of hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in gracious

having an easygoing and pleasing manner especially in social situations as an experienced event planner, he knows that having an affable emcee is critical

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hospitable

showing a natural kindness and courtesy especially in social situations although First Lady Lucretia Hayes didn't particularly enjoy her role as White House hostess, she was always affable

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word affable different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of affable are cordial, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

Where would cordial be a reasonable alternative to affable?

The words cordial and affable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When can genial be used instead of affable?

The words genial and affable can be used in similar contexts, but genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

When would gracious be a good substitute for affable?

The synonyms gracious and affable are sometimes interchangeable, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

In what contexts can sociable take the place of affable?

While the synonyms sociable and affable are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of affable But keeping a low profile proves difficult as the affable Charles quickly endears himself to his fellow residents. —

Peter White, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024 The Hollywood Reporter caught up with the affable Williams and Knight — whose The Real Brady Bros podcast relives every episode — to talk Brady Bunch auditions, Ann B. Davis’ comic timing and those pesky Hawaiian curses. —

Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Nov. 2024 Lawyer Eli Rosenbaum, founder of the U.S. Justice Department’s War Crimes Accountability Team, listens to Hilu with affable skepticism and provides background on Nuremberg. —

Alissa Simon, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024 As with Taylor Lautner in the second Twilight movie, our affable friend across the pond turned out to be hiding eight-pack abs. —

Nate Jones, Vulture, 18 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for affable

Recent Examples of Synonyms for affable

Adjective

This ensures that day-to-day administration and critical state functions remain unaffected.

David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Phoenix police said in an 11:15 p.m. post on X, formerly Twitter, that Sky Harbor operations later resumed and flights were unaffected by the shooting investigation.

Jose R. Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 26 Dec. 2024